According to WHO, there are still nearly 20 million unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children in the world. India has the largest number of births in the world – more than 26 million a year – but sadly India also accounts for more than 20 per cent of child mortality worldwide. Out of the 20 million unvaccinated children in the world India alone accounts for 7.4 million unvaccinated children. The national average for full immunization is 62 per cent(NFHS 3)
People tend to have their own reservations about vaccinations. One of my patients had asked me - Doctor, why should I get my child injections in the name of vaccinations. She is healthy and does not have any disease. I tend to tell my patients - Vaccinations are like an insurance policy. You buy insurance, to protect yourself from any unforeseen accidents or illness that may happen.